Where There’s a Will, There’s Ray’s Causeway

It’s been a long road to this point: four years of life and twenty-six races.  But on Saturday afternoon, sim starlet Murf Ray must have been proud of her daughter Ray’s Causeway, who bested #1 distaff handicap sprinter Explosive Storm en route to the first graded victory of her career.

The Grade II Lil’ Leprechaun Dash was not short on speed, but Ray’s Causeway broke on top and stayed there, racing relaxedly despite Kacymygirl and Hurricane Katrina breathing down her neck.  Favored Explosive Storm had dropped well back, as she tends to do.  By the third call, Ray’s Causeway was kicking clear and the big mare in the pack of the pack was beginning to roll, unleashing a devastating run that ate up the lead.  But the race was a little too short, Ray’s Causeway a little too game, D. Doyle’s ride just a little too well-timed; as she swept beneath the wire, Ray’s Causeway retained a three-quarter-length lead.

Co-second choice Wakiwild, dropping back to the sprint distances, settled into a good position and acquired third with a strong stretch drive.  Kacymygirl stayed on for fourth, while Silver Star G ran evenly for the last minor check.

Ray’s Causeway is a four-year-old daughter of Giant’s Causeway and multiple Grade I winner Murf Ray.  Her record now stands at 9-6-0 from 26 starts and her bankroll at nearly $400,000.  The win moved her up into the top 20 of her division.  Likely future starts include the six-furlong Grade II Scary Carrie the Blueberry.